Distance Raster
What is Distance Raster?
Distance Raster is a spatial analysis tool that generates a raster layer where each cell contains the shortest distance from the center of the cell to the nearest feature in a specified set of input features. This analysis is crucial in determining proximity and accessibility metrics, which are essential for a variety of planning and management applications.
When would you use Distance Raster?
You would use Distance Raster when you need to evaluate distance-based constraints or opportunities in spatial planning. This could include assessing service areas around public amenities, calculating influence zones around environmental features, modeling habitat connectivity, or analyzing potential route options for infrastructure development. It is particularly useful in environmental impact studies, urban planning, site selection, and resource management.
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FAQs
How do I input the features for creating a distance raster?
You can input the features by selecting the desired layer from your map in Atlas. Ensure that the layer you select contains the vector features (points, lines, or polygons) from which you want to calculate the distance.
Are there any parameters I need to set before running the Distance Raster analysis?
Yes, you may need to define parameters such as the cell size for the output raster, the extent of the raster coverage, and any processing masks if you only want to perform the analysis within a specific area.
Can the Distance Raster be created for both point and line features?
Yes, the Distance Raster can be generated for any type of feature including points, lines, and polygons. The analysis will calculate the shortest path distance to the nearest feature from each cell in the raster grid.
Is it possible to customize the color scheme of the resulting distance raster?
After generating the Distance Raster, you can customize its visualization by applying different color ramps and classification methods within Atlas to better represent distance variations across the landscape.
Can Distance Raster analysis be used for accessibility studies?
Yes, by generating a distance raster, you can quantitively assess accessibility to services and facilities from various locations across a study area, facilitating informed decision-making in urban planning and service provision.
